Community-Based Primary Health Care (CBPHC) has been identified as a crucial element in improving maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH). A comprehensive review by an Expert Panel highlights the effectiveness of CBPHC and offers recommendations for strengthening health systems. Here are key takeaways and actionable insights for practitioners from the review.
Key Findings
The Expert Panel's review analyzed 661 unique reports, including peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and reports from the gray literature. The evidence suggests that CBPHC is effective in improving MNCH through community engagement and the implementation of evidence-based interventions. Here are some specific findings:
- CBPHC should be prioritized to strengthen health systems, accelerate universal health coverage, and end preventable child and maternal deaths.
- Governments and NGOs should develop health systems that respect and value communities as full partners.
- CBPHC programs need to reach every community and household to achieve universal coverage of key interventions.
Strategies for Practitioners
Practitioners can implement the following strategies to enhance the effectiveness of CBPHC programs:
- Engage Community Leaders: Involve both formal and informal leaders in planning and managing health activities.
- Form Women’s Groups: Facilitate participatory learning and action groups for women to promote health education and empowerment.
- Conduct Home Visits: Routine and targeted home visits by community health workers can significantly improve health outcomes.
- Strengthen Referral Systems: Ensure strong links between community-level activities, peripheral health facilities, and referral hospitals.
Challenges and Recommendations
While the evidence for CBPHC is extensive, there are limitations, including the need for more long-term studies and analyses of failed attempts. The Expert Panel recommends:
- Tracking resources devoted to CBPHC at national and regional levels.
- Fostering full community participation and partnerships to reach those most in need.
- Establishing a strong CBPHC service delivery platform for various health priorities.
- Expanding research to continually improve CBPHC program effectiveness.
Conclusion
Stronger CBPHC programs that foster community engagement and implement evidence-based interventions are essential for achieving universal health coverage and ending preventable child and maternal deaths by 2030. Practitioners are encouraged to adopt these strategies and contribute to the ongoing research and development of CBPHC.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Comprehensive review of the evidence regarding the effectiveness of community–based primary health care in improving maternal, neonatal and child health: 8. summary and recommendations of the Expert Panel.
